"For everyone that light, neither cometh doeth evil hateth the to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light that his deeds may be made manifest, I that they are wrought in God" (John 3:20, 21).

Error is usually a coward when it comes to honest investigation. The individual w h o realizes that he stands on shaky ground will not want to "come to the light" to have his belief and practices thoroughly investigated. But such is not so with the lover and doer of truth. Truth has absolutely nothing to fear from an honest investigation. The man who has built upon the rock will never fear discussion, argumentation or debating of his beliefs and practices. The rain and storms may come but he shall withstand them. He is always ready and willing to "contend for the faith." He is set for a defense of the Gospel and is never ashamed of it. The truth-lover stands up for Christ and His Gospel under all circumstances. He will not compromise for the sake of peace or popularity. Though he is a lover of peace and unity, he will not forsake truth to obtain them. He realizes that we can have peace and unity with the devil. The truth lover understands that peace and unity must have GOD'S WORD as its basis.

Sadly, there are many people who claim to be Christians but they will not even discuss with one what they believe. They shy away from contending and debating their beliefs. They are not "ready to give answer to every man that asketh them for a reason for the hope that is in them." They are not "set for a defense" of the Gospel. They will not "contend for the faith" or "fight the good fight of the faith." Reproving or rebuking is contrary to their idea of "peace at any price." They are spiritual cowards and deserters of God's army.

Anyone, whether it be person or paper, who is not willing that his position be thoroughly investigated and compared with the Bible-- is either a coward or realizes that he stands on sand. Anyone who believes that he has the truth will not be afraid to thoroughly discuss what he believes with any and every dissenter. When a person closes his mind or a religious paper closes its pages to honest discussions of both sides of a controversy, then that person or paper is being dishonest, unfair and following the censoring of Catholicism and Communism. It is a sad day when persons and papers begin to close their minds to investigation. TRUTH has NO FEAR of the light of investigation! Error, on the other hand, will run and hide itself in the darkness. The light of investigation makes truth shine brightly, but error is shone for the evil it truly is.

What do you believe brother? Did you learn it from the Bible? If so . . . then fight for the truth with all of your might; teach it; preach it; debate it; argue for it; contend for it; stand up for it at all times and under every circumstance! But, on the other hand, if you can find NO Bible for what you believe . . . then I can understand why you do not want to come to the light of investigation. I can see why you are a coward and work "behind the scenes" to ensnare people in your philosophies; I can understand why you do not want to debate your beliefs; yes, anyone can see why you are afraid of investigation. After all, error hates the light and loves the darkness.

These are serious matters. I plead with you to search your heart and soul and see if you are in accord with the Bible. Study God's Word and believe ONLY what is found therein. Leave aside all of your pet opinions and projects and innovations and CONTEND for the faith.

Let us "PROVE all things, and HOLD FAST that which is good," that which GOD APPROVES!

Truth Magazine IX: 3, p.1
December 1964